UK records first human case of new swine flu strain H1N2 – as health chiefs ‘rapidly’ work to curb the spread

A BRIT has become the first in the UK to be diagnosed with a new strain of swine flu, the government has announced.

The person tested positive for the bug after visiting their GP in North Yorkshire with breathing problems.

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UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is working rapidly to trace contacts and find the source of the infection, with the person not thought to have had close contact with pigs.

The virus was spotted during routine flu surveillance, making it unlikely to be the only case.

The patient experienced “mild” symptoms and has now recovered, they said in a statement.

It is not known at this stage how transmissible the new strain, named H1N2, is, or if there could be other cases in the UK, scientists said.

The variant differs from the H1N1 strain that sparked the 2009 outbreak, which saw 457 deaths in the UK alone.

There have been a total of 50 human cases of H1N2 reported globally since 2005; but none of them are related genetically to this strain.

Swine flu can be passed from pigs to humans via direct contact, but only in rare cases spreads between humans. 

The UKHSA’s advice for all respiratory symptoms remains the same – avoid contact with others while they persist, particularly if they are old or have existing medical conditions.

Meera Chand, incident director at UKHSA, said: “This is the first time we have detected this virus in humans in the UK, though it is very similar to viruses that have been detected in pigs.

“We are working rapidly to trace close contacts and reduce potential spread.

“In accordance with established protocols, investigations are underway to learn how the individual acquired the infection and to assess whether there are any further associated cases.”

Christine Middlemiss, chief veterinary officer, said: “In this case we are providing specialist veterinary and scientific knowledge to support the UKHSA investigation.

“Pig keepers must also report any suspicion of swine flu in their herds to their local vet immediately.”

The H1N1 strain was first detected in April of that year in North Amercia but quickly spread across the US and worldwide.

By the time the WHO declared it a pandemic in June 2007, it had spread to 74 countries and territories.

The WHO declared the pandemic was over in August 2010.